Hosting with Purpose: Weaving Sustainability in Every Way

Hosting with Purpose: Weaving Sustainability in Every Way

When I first became an Airbnb host nearly eight years ago, I did not anticipate how deeply it would shape my approach to hospitality and my values. Hosting, I discovered, is not only about opening doors; it is about opening possibilities. One possibility that continues to guide me is how hospitality can become a gentle yet effective force for sustainability.

Over the years, I have hosted in two very different contexts: an urban apartment that places travellers in the heart of the city, and a farm stay set in Coimbatore’s quiet green stretches. Though worlds apart, both are rooted in a commitment to reduce environmental impact, respect natural resources, and offer guests experiences that are as meaningful as they are comfortable.

Small Steps, Big Impact in Urban Hosting

Urban hosting often presents constraints — limited space, shared utilities, and the pace of city life. Yet even in such contexts, small, intentional choices create significant impact.

• Thoughtful Design: Instead of purchasing new furniture, I restored heirloom pieces from my family home. These carry stories of tradition and reuse, and guests often appreciate their character.

• Eco-Friendly Essentials: I have consistently avoided single-use plastics, opting instead for refillable dispensers. Since last year, I have partnered with a brand producing bio-enzyme-based, toxin-free personal care and cleaning products. Guests consistently highlight these thoughtful alternatives in their reviews.

• Energy Awareness: My urban property is powered by solar energy, equipped with LED lighting and sensor-based switches, supported by subtle reminders to encourage responsible energy use.

A guest once remarked: “This place makes me think about how I can make my own apartment more eco-friendly.” That reflection embodies the ripple effect every host can inspire.

Sustainability in Practice at the Farm Stay

The farm stay, Harini’s Harvest, is where sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the experience. Hosting here is about immersing guests in the principles of living lightly and meaningfully.

• Farm-to-Table Practices: Meals are made with produce grown onsite — from vegetables and fruits to coconuts and traditional grains. Guests often join in harvesting or animal care, experiencing the value of local, seasonal food firsthand.

• Natural Building & Design: The stay is constructed with, Porotherm bricks, Aathangudi tiles and refurbished woodwork from local artisans. These choices ensure naturally cool interiors, eliminating the need for air-conditioning. Surrounding vegetation further regulates the microclimate.

• Rainwater Harvesting: Every drop of rain on our polyhouse is collected in reservoirs to support vegetable cultivation and household use, fostering water responsibility.

• Waste as Resource: Kitchen waste is composted into manure, while greywater irrigates gardens.

• Cultural Connection: From earthenware cooking to traditional village games, kolam art, and storytelling, the farm stay integrates heritage with sustainability, reminding guests that ecological responsibility is also cultural preservation.

Guests as Partners in the Journey

True sustainability in hosting is co-created with guests.

• In the city, guests sort waste responsibly and are introduced to local green initiatives.

• On the farm, they participate in activities such as harvesting, composting, learning that food is more than a supermarket product.

Hospitality becomes most impactful when guests leave not just with memories, but with actionable insights.

Extending Impact through Community

Beyond individual hosting, my role as Airbnb Community Leader for Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry has allowed me to foster sustainability on a broader scale.

• We organized a lake-cleaning initiative with the non-profit Kovai Kulangal Padhugappu Amaippu, to commemorate Earth Day, 2025.

• I facilitated a virtual session on Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Innovation led by Dr. Samantha Pathirathna, Airbnb Community Leader for Sri Lanka. This exchange enabled hosts across regions to adopt simple, efficient practices that blend sustainability with  hospitality.

These collaborations reaffirm the importance of collective learning and shared action within the host community.

The Spirit of Sustainable Hospitality

As we move into 2025, sustainability is not optional — it is essential. Hosting today requires balancing comfort with consciousness, showing that responsible choices can elevate the guest experience.

I often share with my guests: “You may come here for a stay, but I hope you leave with a story.” The stories they carry — of farm-fresh meals, thoughtfully designed spaces, or eco-conscious practices — often reflect the power of small actions to inspire broader change.

Hospitality is evolving beyond beds and breakfast. It is about belonging, but also about belonging responsibly.

Looking ahead to the Airbnb Festival of Hospitality 2025, my hope is that more hosts will embrace sustainability as integral to their practice. So I invite my fellow hosts: What does sustainability in hosting mean to you, and how are you weaving it into your experiences?